Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A rare antibody discovered in a Tanzanian woman may transform HIV treatment and prevention, according to groundbreaking research published on Nature Immunology.
The antibody, 04_A06, neutralised 97.3% of over 300 HIV strains, including those resistant to current therapies. It was identified by Dr. Lutz Gieselmann and his team at the University of Cologne.
“This antibody reaches parts of the virus others can’t,” Gieselmann said. “It targets a stable region, making viral escape almost impossible.”
Tests on humanised mice showed viral suppression lasting 12 weeks after treatment, with delayed rebound even after therapy stopped — a breakthrough unmatched by earlier antibodies like VRC01.
Researchers believe 04_A06 could become a long-acting preventive shot, offering up to 93% protection against infection.
“This could redefine HIV prevention,” Gieselmann said. “But human trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.”
Experts say this discovery could benefit Africa most, where HIV drug resistance and limited access to daily medication hinder progress.
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Korede Abdullah 
Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Otamere Gladness